The Holy Trinity: Aston Villa conclusions from Europa League embarrassment v Go Ahead Eagles

Villa's winning run ends with a humiliating bump in the Netherlands

The league phase had begun in relatively serene fashion so naturally the third match was seized upon as an opportunity for self-inflicted damage.

Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 by Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer, conceding their first Europa League goals of the season and losing in Europe for the first time in 2025/26.

In many ways, it was a fitting addition to the pantheon of disappointments that is this season. I didn’t see it coming. I’m a supporter. I’m allowed to be a little bit complacent even if I don’t like to broadcast it. The players don’t have the same luxury.

Unai Emery made no secret that a sequence of difficult Premier League fixtures were the priority. I’ve no issue with rotating the squad for matches like this one but if you do it with the intention of winning them – and Villa did – then you have to win them.

Villa coasted for spells, largely playing within themselves especially after taking the lead. Go Ahead Eagles had to work hard just to stay with them. Then they kept working once Villa eased off. The punishment they meted out was well deserved.

Here’s your Holy Trinity of match conclusions.